Effects of exercise therapy on transverse myelitis: A case report

Background: Transverse myelitis which is one form of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a neurological disorder caused by inflammation across both sides of one level, or segment, of the spinal cord. A 36-year-old woman with transverse myelitis complicated by para paresis and gait disorder underwent supervised exercise therapy with staged increases in intensity.Materials & Methods: Supervised exercise therapy, which included passive and active adopted standards for patients with para paresis and gait disorder, was performed for 3 months (3 times per week for 12 weeks). Exercises include: rhythmic passive rotation, passive and active stretching, lower limb strengthening exercises, balance exercise and gait training. Results: Improvements in muscle tone and strength were observed. At 3 months, her balance and gait got improved with slight difference with the level that of an age-matched healthy person.Conclusions: With appropriate care to avoid movement complications of transverse myelitis, staged increases in the volume of supervised and unsupervised exercise therapy can safely and effectively maintain and improve physical capacity, exercise tolerance, and overall physical activity in these subjects.

کلیدواژه ها:

transverse myelitis ، exercise therapy ، gait ، para paresis